10 Steps to Selling Your Home

1. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

  • What to Expect: Partner with an experienced agent who understands your local market and can help you get the best price for your home.

  • Details: Look for someone with a solid marketing plan, negotiation skills, and knowledge of your neighborhood.

2. Determine Your Home’s Value

  • What to Expect: Your agent will conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you set a competitive listing price.

  • Details: The price should reflect the home's condition, location, and recent sales of similar properties.

3. Prepare Your Home for the Market

  • What to Expect: Make your home appealing to buyers by decluttering, cleaning, and completing any necessary repairs.

  • Details: Consider staging your home to highlight its best features, which can help buyers envision themselves living there.

4. Make Necessary Upgrades or Repairs

  • What to Expect: Address any minor issues, like fixing leaky faucets or touching up paint, to increase your home’s appeal.

  • Details: Focus on upgrades that offer the highest return on investment, such as kitchen and bathroom improvements.

5. Set the Stage for Showings

  • What to Expect: Keep your home show-ready for potential buyers, with clean rooms, open spaces, and inviting decor.

  • Details: Pay attention to curb appeal—keep the lawn mowed, landscaping fresh, and the entrance welcoming.

6. List Your Home and Start Marketing

  • What to Expect: Your agent will list your home on the MLS and promote it through various marketing channels, including social media, flyers, and open houses.

  • Details: Professional photos and virtual tours can help attract more interest and increase visibility.

7. Review and Negotiate Offers

  • What to Expect: Once offers start coming in, your agent will help you review each one and negotiate the terms to get the best deal.

  • Details: Consider factors like the offer price, contingencies, and the buyer’s financial qualifications.

8. Accept an Offer and Open Escrow

  • What to Expect: After accepting an offer, you'll enter escrow, where the buyer’s earnest money is held while contingencies are cleared.

  • Details: Your agent will guide you through any inspections, appraisals, or repair requests that arise during this period.

9. Prepare for Closing

  • What to Expect: Complete any agreed-upon repairs, gather documents, and be prepared to sign paperwork at closing.

  • Details: Review the final settlement statement, which outlines all costs associated with selling the home.

10. Close the Sale and Move Out

  • What to Expect: Once all documents are signed, and funds are transferred, the sale is complete.

  • Details: Hand over the keys, and make sure to schedule your move-out date accordingly.